Design thinking and problem-based learning are becoming increasingly popular, but how do we introduce children to this process?In Zom-BE a Design Thinker, Zip the Zombie takes students through the Design Thinking process using human-centered design. As they read and learn, elementary-age students will learn skills that they will use for life!
With rhyme, cute illustrations, interactive augmented reality experiences and digital downloads—such as coloring sheets and an online class that prompts students to create in multiple realities—this book is a great way to introduce design thinking and future technologies to your children at home or in the classroom.
Download the Zombie Zip Process Journal, design challenges, and AR apps at Teachingland.com/zom-be to get your young learners thinking like designers! There is even a music video!
“As we transition to a fully digital, AI-augmented era where the most human intelligences (HI) are what will set learners apart. Zom-Be a Design Thinker is like a blast of fresh, playful thinking. Amanda Fox has accomplished a combination of bigger picture and practical activities all tied together by a story designed to speak to kids and inspire them with the knowledge that they can design their own futures. Rarely does a title launch with so many great extension activities as well—Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, hands-on ‘Zombie Zip’ maker, digital download activities—all of which can make Zip and the skills to thrive tomorrow your child’s next new best friend."—Jonathan Nalder, founder, FutureWe.org
“In this companion book to Teachingland, Amanda Fox cleverly weaves the use of Metaverse and augmented reality components into Zip the Zom-Be’s adventures for an interactive journey that will spark imagination and creativity in your students.”—Nikki D. Robertson, project coordinator for digital learning at ESC Region 13
“Empathy is such a critical skill for today's youth to develop and utilize when looking to solve problems in the world around them. Amanda does an incredible job of making empathy and Design Thinking accessible through her creative characters, storyline, and activities.”—Michael Cohen, aka The Tech Rabbi, designer, educator, and author of Educated by Design
Amanda Fox, Creative Director of STEAMPunksEdu and is an educational pioneer and author. She has taught English Language Arts, Social Studies, Film, Journalism, and now leads STEAM programs via her startup STEAMPunksEdu-- in Louisville, Kentucky. Recipient of the 2016 ISTE Emerging Leader Award, recognized as a PBS Digital innovator for her initiatives in enhancing student learning with technology, Fox has also served as President of the Young Educator Network for ISTE, and received the President's Volunteer Award.
Her current project, the Zom-Be kids book series, sees her introducing design thinking to elementary students, and debuted in June 2019. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with the design challenges in Teachingland: A Teacher's Survival Guide to the Classroom Apocalypse. She has an affinity for coffee mugs, nerdy t-shirts, and can always be found in heels. Check out The Virtual Reality Podcast to learn more or connect with Amanda on Twitter @AmandaFoxSTEM
For more information on booking Amanda for keynotes, workshops, design thinking led sessions, or video conferencing/virtual book readings with your class or school, go to teachinginglandthebook.com.
